In case any of you are planning a trip through SEA, or just a stopover in Singapore, I thought I'd try to help out with some basic info. I know the information I've gotten from reading the boards these past few days has been tremendously helpful
Public transportation is quick and easy. The MRT (electric train?) will only cost you a dollar or two US for anywhere on the island. In fact, anywhere on the island is reachable in about an hour. There are a couple different lines, and it is easy to switch between them. No matter where you are, there will be an MRT station nearby. After your ride, put your card back into the machine for a $1 refund.
Taxis are cheap, with the starting fee of 2.40 Sing, which is about 1.50US. The most expensive trip I ever make is from the airport to my house, which is about 35US. I think I've taken over a million taxi rides since I've moved here four years ago.
Buses are really cheap too, but if you don't know your exact route, I'm not sure you'll ever get where you need to go. Taxis and the MRT are a much easier choice.
Orchard is the main downtown shopping area. It's quite western, but there aren't that many stores from the States. You'll find McDonalds, Burger King, and KFC all over the country. There are even a few Carls Jrs. You can find all the designer stores in Orchard.
Each MRT station is usually connected to a mall, but they're pretty much all identical.
The main clubbing areas are Clarke Quay and Muhammad Sultan Road (MS). Any cab driver will know them. If you go to some of the lesser bars on MS, entrance will cost you 10-15 Sing, and get you free flow. But only of drinks like vodka sprite, etc. The more trendy bars at Clarke Quay will cost you around 30 to get in, with one or two drinks. The drinks here will easily cost you 10 and up. I'm not a beer-lover, I can't tell you how much those'll cost. There are places for sheesha/hookah, in Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, at about 12Sing a bong.
There isn't really all that much sightseeing here. I've lived here for almost four years now and don't think I've ever really seen the sights. These is a resort island that you can reach by train/taxi, Sentosa, but honestly its not all that great. Thats where the beach is. There are some statues and parliament buildings downtown. There are also ethnic regions: Little India, Chinatown, Arab Street. Those are interesting and have cheap shopping.
Everything is in English here, along with four other languages on some signs. You can take a bus to Kuala Lumpur, which is about 6 hours away. Prices at fast food joints are cheaper than the states which is nice. But prices at western restaurants like Dan Ryans, Hard Rock, and Outback Steakhouse will be the same as everywhere.
There is a really nice zoo here, maybe a 15Sing cab ride from downtown. There is also a Night Safari right next door, where you take a tram ride through.
Well, feel free to ask if you have any questions about Singapore at all.
Oh, and local food at the hawkers - food stalls - is really really cheap if you like Asian food. And beer is cheap there too, now that I think of it. Hawkers are all over the place.
Cheers,
Brandi
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